A Z32 Meets Its Maker

The white Z finally met its maker this week… in spectacular fashion. I can’t say I was sorry to see it go. After a year of trying to rebuild her, countless dollars, and 15 stitches; walking away from that car was the best decision I ever made.

Hindsight is 20/20 they say, and it’s clear to me now I should have never tried to rebuild it in the first place. I’m also ready to admit that much of the fire to save her stemmed from starting this blog, and having people follow the build so closely. In all honesty, I was afraid if I walked away, would people think I walked because the car was a hopeless basket-case, or would they think I couldn’t get it done because of my “disability.”

I know now that those were irrational fears. Fears stemming from my constant drive to be judged by the same standards as everyone else. Sometimes things are just too far gone to be saved: my lack of a hand played no role in that.

But you live and learn. And learn I did. The car gave me a lot of great lessons though, and opened the door to a lot of opportunities throughout this project.

Had she not came along, I would have never pursued the sponsors I did. I would have never met Harry (Ztuner), not only forging a lasting friendship, but also a critical ally in the Z build (and participant for the film). I would have never learned as much as I did about the inner workings of a Z32.

She became a test bed of sorts, making all my mistakes early on, before I moved on to, and triumphantly completed, the red Z. I even got to practice my welding and metal working skills while trying to bring her back to life. And some of her parts still live on in the red Z…

For all this I am grateful.

Jay

Big thanks to A.P.S. Recycling for taking the Z carcass and smashing it good for me.